The current
100-watt architectural lighting, which drapes the bridge’s suspension cables,
is powered by 170 mercury-vapour bulbs and has been in place since 1986. However, with
its core infrastructure nearing the end of its life span, the system is
becoming increasingly onerous and costly to maintain.

The new LED
lighting will have the same appearance as the existing system but will cut the
current power consumption by 90 per cent and drastically reduce the time spent
each year replacing burned-out bulbs.

The $150,000
project is being cost-shared by both the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure and BC Hydro. The new LED bulbs have a design life of 12 years
and will not only last longer but the Province expects to save more than
$30,000 per year in energy and maintenance.

Work to remove the
existing lighting and install the new LED system will begin immediately and is
expected to take up to three weeks to complete. During this time regular
traffic lighting will function as usual, and traffic will not be affected.

The LED lighting
retrofit supports B.C.’s Energy Plan, which encourages new technologies to
“green the grid,” promote clean energy and reduce energy losses.

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Contact:

Jeff Knight

Public Affairs Bureau

Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure

250356-7707

For more information on government
services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the
Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.